Knightly News

We measure nearly everything. For example, the distance Cross Country competitors run in preparation for the upcoming Round Table Run or the size of the strides an actor must take to cross the VPAC stage. Measuring is so much a part of daily life, that many of us do it without thinking. Episcopal sixth grade science students are developing this ability now so that they can delve deeper into the Middle School science concepts ahead. While the concepts are basic, the creativity and flexibility of the faculty result in a hands-on experience that makes learning memorable.

To help make a lesson on measurement engaging, science teacher Stacy Hill set up stations throughout the classroom. Students practiced using a graduated cylinder, a triple beam balance and learned more about the metric system, mass and volume. There was even a summarizing station requiring students to practice literacy in a scientific setting. “This activity is differentiated and applies to all learning skills,” says Hill, who also provided extend activities and a Boom Challenge Card option for students eager to learn more.

To teach students about graphing and the coordinate plane, Hill turned to renowned philosopher, mathematician and scientist, Rene Descartes. She read from Descartes’ work and then asked students to follow his lead. Throughout the classroom, paper flies were posted on the walls. Hill asked students to determine the coordinates for an insect, similar to what inspired Descartes to investigate coordinates long ago.

Math Relay Makes Studying Fun

Outside of the science classroom, sixth grade teacher Nancy Callaway deployed a creative study method to help math students prepare for an upcoming quiz on fractions, decimals and mixed numbers. Callaway divided the class into groups and challenged them to solve a set of problems together outside in the rain garden. As the students completed each set of problems, Callaway provided more.

Ultimately, the math relay generated a sense of excitement among the students as they ran back and forth in the hopes of finishing first. “This is a different way to review,” says Callaway. “They are completing 28 to 30 problems and they don’t realize it. This is fun.” Based on the smiles and sense of accomplishment among the students, it was obvious that Callaway had solved the problem of how to make studying for math engaging.

Faculty Expertise Boosts Student Learning

Learning at Episcopal is a hands-on, interactive experience led by faculty who are experts in their fields. Episcopal educators inform their lessons from a variety of experiences and backgrounds. The majority of faculty have earned an advanced degree, and many have worked in a professional setting in their field of study.  With low teacher-to-student ratios in each division, teachers also have the flexibility and freedom to provide creative experiences that engage students and make lessons fresh. That creativity is a tremendous benefit for students and makes a difference in classroom learning. Activities like those provided by Hill and Callaway help students retain introductory information longer, allowing them to more readily apply it to more advanced concepts later.

Having access to exceptional faculty is just one way Episcopal students are prepared for their educational journey and beyond. Have you had a great experience with an Episcopal educator? We invite you to share your thoughts or offer a note of appreciation in the comments section below.

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